'Lebanon, Oregon— As the opioid crisis continues to plague the country, one cannabis company in Oregon is proposing a new solution. Kaya Holdings Inc. (KAYS), the first publicly traded company to open and operate a medical cannabis dispensary, is planning to set up an opioid-for-weed swap program where addicts can trade in their pills for the plant.

According to a press release, Kaya Holdings CEO Craig Frank said:

“We decided to step up and do our part after President Trump announced the war on the opioid epidemic.”

He went on to cite recent preliminary research suggesting that cannabis is linked to a reduction in opioid dependence and death in states where it is legal. Frank also referenced President Trump’s recent declaration of emergency.

“Numerous studies, including those reported by Newsweek, NBC News, US News and World Report, CNN and others, have shown that states with legal marijuana programs have declining rates of opioid addiction, with some states reporting a decrease in deaths as high as 25%,” Frank said in the company’s press release.

“We want to help people in the communities we serve, as well as demonstrate that cannabis companies can be part of the President’s solution to the crisis.”'